Community mourns Warren; funeral set for Saturday

By STEPHANIE PORTER-NICHOLS/Staff

The Marion Town Council is mourning the loss of one of its members while a family is grieving from a second sudden death in a matter of months.
Councilman Mark F. Warren died Monday in Smyth County Community Hospital.
The 44-year-old lifetime Marion resident’s passing came only a few months after the unexpected death of his father, Jimmy L. Warren, who served as Smyth County clerk of Circuit Court for decades. Though unsuccessful in his bid, Mark Warren had earlier this month sought the Democratic nomination to run in the upcoming special election for circuit court clerk. He was said to be still considering the possibility of running as an independent candidate.
Ken Heath, Marion’s downtown director and longtime friend of Warren’s, said Tuesday that his death “certainly leaves a void for all of us.” Heath spoke first for the town noting that it was hard to pinpoint specific areas of dedication for Warren. “He was passionate about everything. He was an endless promoter of the town,” said Heath, who noted that Warren was serving his second term on the town council.
As a friend, Heath acknowledged that Warren’s loss hadn’t completely sunk in. “Mark and I grew up together,” he said. Later, after telling stories of their antics together, Heath said, “I don’t know what I’ll do without him.”
He spoke of Warren’s belief in putting his faith into action, including mission work in Zimbabwe and the Czech Republic. “He walked the walk.” He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church.
Noting Warren’s long struggles with illness, Heath noted his sometimes frustration at wanting to help Warren with his physical struggles though his friend would always refuse to accept it. Tuesday, he reflected upon the admirable qualities in such stubbornness.
Heath described a VML event at which a passerby said, “You can tell they’re from Southwest Virginia.” “Mark took that as a badge of honor,” he laughed.
Sharing the details of Warren interacting with a restaurant server, Heath said, “He never met a stranger. He never ever did.”
Warren’s pastor, the Rev. Jonathan Jonas, agreed. He said, “Mark was one of those people who had a genuine love for other people.”
He noted that Warren’s mission trips were so transformative that they became a continuing effort for him. He served as the Mission Committee chair for FUMC and the Methodist Church’s Abingdon District, which encompasses 60 to 70 churches.
Jonas also noted that Warren’s mission emphasis was local as well as international. The minister, who is helping coordinate efforts to explore developing a local homeless program, said Warren was the first town council member to offer his assistance.
Jonas also described how Warren, who used a wheelchair, helped advise the church on accessibility issues. The pastor said Warren never requested improved access for himself, but used his knowledge to help others.
Marion Town Manager John Clark also noted Warren’s skillful knowledge of building issues.
Warren, who worked in real estate, often brought that experience to the town. Clark recalled how valuable his knowledge of real estate and building matters could be down to small details like helping the town determine what kind of roofing and guttering would best work on the renovated town hall.
“He will certainly be missed,” said Clark.
Warren’s government experience included work in the Baliles and Wilder administrations in Richmond. In 1991, he moved back to Smyth County to accept a position created in part by Lieutenant Governor Don Beyer and administered by local education and business professionals.
Funeral services for warren will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. A private burial will follow. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel.
Jonas noted that the Rev. Samuel Dzobo, who Warren had met during one of his African trips, is traveling to Marion to help officiate the service.

You may contact Stephanie Porter-Nichols at or 276-783-5121.